Deuteronomy 14:20
But you may eat any clean bird.
But you may eat
This phrase indicates a permission granted by God to the Israelites regarding their dietary practices. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is reiterating the laws given to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The dietary laws were part of the covenant relationship between God and His people, setting them apart from other nations. The permission to eat certain foods reflects God's provision and care for His people, ensuring they have sustenance while maintaining ritual purity.

any clean bird
The term "clean" refers to animals that are considered ritually pure according to the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide lists of clean and unclean animals. Clean birds are those that do not prey on other animals and typically include species like chickens, doves, and quails. This distinction between clean and unclean animals is part of the broader holiness code, emphasizing the separation between the sacred and the profane. The clean animals symbolize purity and obedience to God's commands. In the New Testament, Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 challenges the Jewish dietary laws, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith, showing the fulfillment of the law in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on dietary laws as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. Promised Land
The destination of the Israelites, where they are to live according to God's laws.

4. Clean Birds
Specific birds deemed permissible for consumption according to God's dietary laws.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the Law, including dietary instructions, from God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Cleanliness
The concept of "clean" in the Old Testament is not just about physical cleanliness but also spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands.

Obedience to God’s Commands
The dietary laws were a test of Israel's obedience and a way to set them apart from other nations. Today, we are called to live distinct lives through our obedience to Christ.

Symbolism of Separation
The distinction between clean and unclean animals symbolizes the separation between holy and unholy, teaching us to discern and choose what is spiritually beneficial.

New Covenant Freedom
While the Old Testament laws served a purpose, in Christ, we have freedom from dietary restrictions. However, this freedom should be exercised with love and consideration for others.

Holiness in Everyday Life
Just as the Israelites were called to holiness in their eating habits, we are called to reflect God's holiness in all aspects of our lives, including our daily choices and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14:20 reflect God's desire for His people to be set apart?

2. In what ways can the principle of distinguishing between clean and unclean be applied to our spiritual lives today?

3. How does the New Testament teaching on food and purity (e.g., Acts 10, Mark 7) influence our understanding of Deuteronomy 14:20?

4. What are some modern-day "clean" and "unclean" influences that Christians should be mindful of in their pursuit of holiness?

5. How can we balance the freedom we have in Christ with the responsibility to live lives that honor God and edify others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 11
This chapter provides a detailed list of clean and unclean animals, including birds, which parallels the dietary laws in Deuteronomy.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions in the New Covenant.

Genesis 1:29-30
God's original provision of food, which was plant-based, showing a progression in dietary instructions.

Mark 7:18-19
Jesus' teaching on what truly defiles a person, emphasizing the heart over dietary laws.

Romans 14:14
Paul's teaching on Christian liberty concerning food, highlighting the principle of conscience.
Clean and UncleanJ. Orr Deuteronomy 14:3-21
Discrimination in MeatsD. Davies Deuteronomy 14:3-21
Food ProvidedHenry, MatthewDeuteronomy 14:4-20
Gilded SinH. Crosby, D. D.Deuteronomy 14:4-20
God's Provision for Man's TableHenry, MatthewDeuteronomy 14:4-20
People
Dishon, Hen, Levites, Moses, Shaphan
Places
Beth-baal-peor
Topics
Bird, Birds, Clean, Creature, Eat, Fowl, Fowls, Winged
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 14:1-21

     5773   abstinence, discipline

Deuteronomy 14:3-20

     4438   eating
     5378   law, OT
     8269   holiness, separation from worldly

Deuteronomy 14:3-21

     4478   meat
     7424   ritual law

Deuteronomy 14:11-20

     4690   wings

Library
List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan
In this my relation of the merciful working of God upon my soul, it will not be amiss, if in the first place, I do in a few words give you a hint of my pedigree, and manner of bringing up; that thereby the goodness and bounty of God towards me, may be the more advanced and magnified before the sons of men. 2. For my descent then, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father's house being of that rank that is meanest, and most despised of all the families in
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

In Judaea
If Galilee could boast of the beauty of its scenery and the fruitfulness of its soil; of being the mart of a busy life, and the highway of intercourse with the great world outside Palestine, Judaea would neither covet nor envy such advantages. Hers was quite another and a peculiar claim. Galilee might be the outer court, but Judaea was like the inner sanctuary of Israel. True, its landscapes were comparatively barren, its hills bare and rocky, its wilderness lonely; but around those grey limestone
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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